Saving Salmon: A Hands-On Conservation Journey in Madawaska

In the town of Madawaska, Maine, an exciting conservation project was underway for local students. Led by 5th-grade teacher Gina Jandreau, a team of dedicated educators and experts set out to bring science to life for the students, all while working to protect the Atlantic salmon. Partnering with local organizations and passionate leaders, the Aquaponics and Atlantic Salmon Conservation Project was launched.

This project brought together several key figures. Carla Scocchi, an aquaponics expert from the University of Maine, taught students about the magic of aquaponics—where fish and plants can grow together. Megan Cook from Aroostook County 4-H connected the community to the project, helping students see their roles in protecting local habitats. And Rebecca Cyr, Madawaska's Recreation Director, took groups of students to local vernal pools to collect data, giving them a glimpse into the complex ecosystems of their own backyard.

The project was a mix of classroom lessons and field trips, making science feel like a real adventure. Students spent time learning about Atlantic salmon ecology and the importance of protecting these fish. They discovered how climate changes affect local waterways and fish populations. Over the spring and summer of 2024, students from 3rd through 5th grades took part in activities that broadened their knowledge of conservation and ecosystems.

With salmon eggs provided by Joshua Keuster from the Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the students experienced the unique responsibility of raising young salmon. Mike Smith, a friendly guide from MicMac Farms, took the students on a tour of a real fish hatchery. They were able to feed the fish and even pet some of them, a slimy but thrilling experience for everyone! Then there was Tom Gerard, a licensed Maine Guide, who led a fishing trip in Fort Kent. Catching their first fish was an unforgettable moment for many of the students.

In addition to caring for salmon and exploring aquaponics, students also learned about the science of climate change. Using NASA data on sea surface temperature and other climate factors, they connected global environmental changes to their local watershed, understanding how warming waters impact the Atlantic salmon they were raising. By collecting their own data during fieldwork, students became scientists, learning to interpret data and make predictions about their environment.

Community members and professionals helped bring the project to life. Gina Jandreau and Rebecca Cyr coordinated with local experts and volunteers, ensuring that every field trip and lesson ran smoothly. Students even got involved in a Vernal Pool Community Science project, where they studied small, seasonal wetlands and documented their findings.

The whole project was a success, involving nearly 180 students in activities that ranged from raising salmon to exploring climate science. Sixty students took on the special task of salmon raising, 30 participated in aquaponics lessons, and 16 students enjoyed fishing with Mr. Gerard. Field trips to local streams and hatcheries deepened their understanding of ecosystems, while Water Week presentations introduced them to new environmental topics.

By the end, students, teachers, and community members were proud of what they had achieved together. They didn’t just learn about science—they became a part of a conservation story, one that would continue to inspire them long after the project ended. The Aquaponics and Atlantic Salmon Conservation Project was a memorable journey that showed everyone involved the power of working together to make a difference in their own community.